A man was charged yesterday with attempted theft from a house in Gzira on Wednesday afternoon.

Stacy Chircop, 34, from Ta’ Xbiex, was accused of attempting to rob a house in Fleet Street in Gzira on Wednesday at 5.30pm. The house belongs to an elderly couple.

He is accused of assaulting Salvatore Cali, the 81-year-old owner of the house, disturbing the peace and of relapsing.

The court was told how Mr Cali saw a man in his yard that afternoon. This man assaulted him when he was approached. He reported the incident to the police and his description led the police to arrest Chircop.

The man was charged after Mr Cali pointed out the accused during an identification parade. Chircop pleaded not guilty.

Duty magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima denied his request for bail and he was remanded to custody.

Police inspector Daniel Zammit prosecuted.

Dr Franco Debono appeared for the defendant.